Experience the best of Canadian Arctic wildlife

© Patrick J. Endres & Natural Habitat

Inspired by BBC2’s wildlife series, Arctic Live, broadcast from the Canadian Arctic in November, we’ve rounded up a collection of Arctic wildlife encounters.

Broadcast live from the shores of Hudson Bay in Churchill (known as the polar bear capital of the world) the BBC’s three-part series gave viewers an insight into the remarkable lives of the animals that live ‘on top of the world’. Presented by Kate Humble, Simon Reeve and Gordon Buchanan, the series focused on the journey of the polar bears as they wait for the ice to solidify before setting off on their annual winter hunt.

We are proud to have been the first UK tour operator to offer wildlife watching and polar bear-viewing tours out of Churchill nearly 30 years ago. From spotting polar bears aboard the thrilling all-terrain Polar Rovers to learning the art of wildlife photography on a dedicated photo safari and spending the night on a truly unique rolling ‘hotel on wheels’ in the middle of the Arctic wilderness, encountering these majestic animals up close is quite remarkable.

Holidays you might be interested in:

Classic Polar Bear Adventure with ‘Polar Rover’ Tundra Excursions – Winnipeg & Churchill

This five night guided break, with departures in October and November each year, combines two nights in the modern city of Winnipeg with three nights spent bear watching in Churchill. In the intimacy of a small group (max 16) guests are able to spot the world’s greatest concentration of polar bears lazing on the shores of Hudson Bay before exploring the vast tundra aboard specially designed all-terrain Polar Rovers. Curious bears and Arctic foxes are usually seen in the vicinity of the vehicle, giving guests the chance to examine the animals up-close as expert leaders explain their behaviour and give their best photo taking tips. Finish with an evening meal aboard the Polar Rover whilst keeping eyes peeled for the Northern Lights.

Spot Polar Bears from the Comfort of a ‘Hotel on Wheels’ – Winnipeg and Churchill’s Tundra Lodge

Suited to the adventurous traveller, this five night break which has departures in October and November each year, includes four nights at one of the world’s most unique hotels – The Tundra Lodge – located in the middle of the tundra outside Churchill. Built on wheels this ‘rolling hotel’ is carefully positioned each season in an area with the highest concentration of bears – usually on a small stretch of land that juts out into the Hudson Bay. Its strategic location offers unparalleled viewing opportunities to spot bears in their natural habitat for three full days, where they will likely amble over the tundra right outside the windows. Half day excursions are followed by authentic dinners. Arctic talks and an optional helicopter tour over the tundra.

Polar Bear Photo Safari for Budding Photographers – Winnipeg and Churchill’s Seal River Lodge

An ideal trip for keen photographers, this six night escorted trip with departures in October and November dedicates long days in the field to give travellers the best chance of capturing close-up images of the Arctic’s most celebrated wildlife including polar bears, caribou, and Arctic foxes. After a thrilling aerial tour over the Churchill River from Winnipeg, guests will spend four nights at a remote lodge on the edge of Hudson Bay, the heart of polar bear country. Daily ground-level guided tours are followed by time at the lodge – capturing photos from one of the nature trails, viewing towers or through large picture windows. Evenings are spent downloading images by the fireplace and keeping eyes peeled for the aurora.

View Polar Bear Mother and Cubs – Winnipeg and Churchill’s Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge

Set in the heart of polar bear ‘denning’ territory, this six night expedition which has departures in August and September gives guests unrivalled access to polar bear mothers and cubs in one of the most pristine wilderness areas in the world, staying at the remote Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge for four nights. Daily group excursions include nature walks on the inland Palsa Bogs and Tundra Ponds adjacent to the Hudson Bay coastline with lunches around the campfire and trips into the Cape Tatnam Wildlife Management Area – where the boreal forest ends and the Subarctic begins. It is here that guests will likely spot Arctic wolves, black bears, moose, caribou and polar bears. The final day is spent in nearby Churchill, with the chance to explore Cape Merry and the Port of Churchill.

Find your Canadian Arctic adventure

Did you know, you can also choose to extend your stay in Montreal or Toronto: gateways to Winnipeg?

Enquire online or speak to one of our dedicated Canada Specialists for help in planning your very own Canadian Arctic adventure.